URA FC forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe has been added to Uganda Cranes' provisional squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), FUFA confirmed on Friday, January 10, 2025.
"URA FC Striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe summoned to the @UgandaCranes CHAN Squad. He will join the squad for tomorrow’s training at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo,” FUFA announced via their official social media platforms.
Ahimbisibwe’s inclusion increases the provisional squad to 38 players for a non-residential training camp. The roster will be trimmed to 26 players on Monday, January 13.
He is the second late addition to the squad, joining KCCA FC’s Usama Arafat, who was also summoned after the initial list was unveiled on Wednesday. Ahimbisibwe scored 9 goals for URA FC in the first round of the ongoing Startimes Uganda Premier League season.
These changes come following the withdrawal of Hakim Kiwanuka and Denis Omedi, who joined Rwanda’s APR FC, rendering them ineligible for the CHAN tournament. Additionally, Vipers SC captain Milton Karisa has been ruled out due to injury.
Several players, including Shafiq Kwikiriza and Sadat Anaku, are currently nursing injuries and missed the first training session held today at Luzira Prison Grounds. The medical team is closely monitoring their progress.
Ahimbisibwe’s call-up is expected to intensify competition as head coach Paul Put continues preparations for the tournament. The squad will train non-residentially until Sunday before the final 26 players transition to a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi.
The CHAN tournament presents an opportunity for local-based players like Ahimbisibwe to showcase their talent on a continental stage, and his inclusion underlines his recent impressive form for URA FC.
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